June 13, 2023 – West Bend, Wi – There was almost some lost history that was recently rescued in downtown West Bend, WI. In the midst of construction and rubble the cast iron sign for the Washington House, which dates to 1978, was found lying next to trash bins.
Rather than let the sign end up in a landfill or risk losing more of downtown history, Jeremy Hahn from the Garden Lounge was flagged, and he brought his team out to rescue and save the heavy piece erected by the Washington County Landmarks Commission.
Hahn put the historic marker in a secret location so no one would steal it.
The Washington House was one of the first brick buildings erected in West Bend, WI. It replaced an original structure built in 1852 and was destroyed by fire January 1, 1864.
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The historic marker at 228 N. Sixth Avenue notes the strong presence of the Washington House.
It was July 27, 1987 when President Ronald Reagan visited the Washington House.
There are at least eight other historical markers within walking distance – however, since the construction neighbors may want to check including a marker at Old Settlers Triangle, the Bernhard “Ben” C. Ziegler building, Stephan F. Mayer Home, Eisenbahn Trail History, James Kneeland House, Court House Square, Washington County Courthouse Square, and the West Bend Aluminum Company.
On a history note: Do you remember when the sign for West Bend Aluminum Company was dedicated, and Allan Kieckhafer found a spelling mistake in the wording. The Wisconsin State Historical Society was contacted, and they eventually sent the correct letters on small metal blocks with instructions to use a hair dryer to heat the letters, pry them out and replace with the correct letters and use a dab of glue to set them in place. (searching for photos and the original story as we speak)
